1. * Desert Mallow – Sphaeralcea ambigua
(sfeer-AL-see-uh am-BIG-yoo-uh)
Family: Malvaceae (Mallow Family)
Native to: Southwestern deserts & desert mountains. In CA, in both Mojave & Sonoran Deserts; on
sandy or rocky soils, mostly in washes, canyons or on dry slopes.
perennial sub-shrub
mature height: 3-4 ft.
mature width: 2-3 ft.
Lovely, mounded evergreen sub-shrub with typical mallow leaves & other features. Many slender,
semi-woody stems.
Leaves are gray-green, covered with hairs (allergenic – wear gloves when
handling). Airy, looks like a garden plant. Fast growing. Short-lived, but re-seeds well.
Growth characteristics:
Blooms mostly in spring (Mar-June) but year-round with some water. Flowers
range from white to pink-purple, but most are apricot to red-orange. One of the largest flowers of
native Globe-mallows. Flowers look like small Hibiscus flowers on Hollyhock-like stems.
Blooms/fruits:
Uses in the garden: Makes lovely addition to cottage garden or other garden that features flowering
plants. Excellent choice for water-wise garden, desert garden or rock garden. Works great on dry
slopes and fine in hot, sunny areas. Fine in containers. Not for the immediate coast (too foggy).
Sensible substitute for: Non-native Mallows, Hollyhocks, other small flowering shrubs.
Attracts:
Excellent habitat: plant : provides cover and seeds for bird food and nectar for insect
pollinators.
Requirements:
Element
Sun
Soil
Water
Fertilizer
Other
Requirement
Full sun – even areas with hot, reflected sun
Sandy or rocky; must be well-drained; any local pH, including alkali
None needed (Zone 1), but looks better (and flowers longer) with occasional water
(Zone 2)
None needed; light fertilizer won’t kill it.
Low maintenance plant. Shear back to 6 inches in fall to rejuvenate (some do this
every year). Short-lived but re-seeds well (dead-head to prevent reseeding).
Management:
Propagation: from seed:
easy in fall; soak older seed overnight
by cuttings: difficult
Plant/seed sources (see list for source numbers): 1, 3, 8, 10, 11, 13, 14, 16, 20, 24, 28
2/14/11
* CA native plant but not native to Western L.A. county
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